If you use the tips listed below, you should be on your way to making yourself a more attractive job candidate, and could even land the job you have been lusting after...
1. Give A Great First Impression
The first thing you will want to look at is your resume or CV, as this is the document that an HR team will scrutinize and analyze to get an idea of you and your skills. There are many resources online that can be used to improve your resume or CV, and there may also be clinics and seminars held in your local area or online. It is also worth asking your friends and family if they know any recruitment specialists as they may be able to provide you with some pointers.
2. Prove You Are A Safe Bet
BigstockAnother aspect of becoming a more attractive candidate is showing that you are safe and trustworthy, and stay within the law. Basic disclosure checks are ideal for this; there is plenty of information available online about how to get one. As an individual, you can get a basic disclosure; however, in some sectors, an employer may be required to get a standard or enhanced check on your behalf.
Having good references is another way to prove you are as good as your resume or CV says you are, which leads us to our third point...
3. Provide Brilliant References
BigstockMany people only consider references once they have a conditional offer (meaning that you have succeeded in your interview but the employer wants to carry out checks before confirming a full job offer). However, this should be something considered at a much earlier stage as it means that you can ensure that your references fully understand you, your desired career path, and the important points to cover.
Ask whether they could provide you with a short version of a reference for your LinkedIn profile (aka a LinkedIn recommendation).
4. Demonstrate Extra Skills
BigstockIt is always a positive thing if you can go above and beyond a job description, so get thinking about what extra skills you can add to the job. Whether this is a full and clean driver's license or an extra qualification, make sure that these are listed on your resume or CV and are communicated on your cover letter where appropriate.
5. Be Respectful
BigstockFinally, you should always ensure that you act professionally and respectfully when you are on the hunt for a job. Being too pushy, lazy, or hostile can get people’s backs up and will be unlikely to get you an interview or a job offer. Whilst it is acceptable to follow up on how your interview went and so on, remember to find the balance between getting feedback and being pushy—it is a fine line that you won’t want to cross.
Also, keep in mind dress codes and timeliness whenever you are attending an interview as these are easy boxes to tick.
In a competitive job market, you can't afford to make small mistakes or pass up opportunities to shine. Become a more attractive job candidate to employers by following the tips above.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
